A new UK study will seek to help women get faster, better treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding, through creating one of the world's largest biobanks of menstrual fluid.
Researchers from the Universities of Exeter and Bristol will collect real-time symptom and health data from thousands of participants in two leading UK birth cohort studies, Children of the 90s and Born in Bradford. Participants will provide menstrual fluid samples over three cycles, using specially designed period pads. They will also use a daily tracking app and complete detailed questionnaires.
The study, called CycleTrack, aims to improve the lives of the millions affected by heavy menstrual bleeding by creating the world's largest biobank of menstrual fluid for people in their mid-30s.
By combining these samples with long-term health and genetic data, researchers hope to identify biological signals linked to variation in periods and related conditions. The findings could support earlier diagnosis, better care plans and new tools to identify risks such as iron deficiency.
The research is part of The Missed Vital Sign, a program led by Wellcome Leap that contributes to a broader global effort to reduce the time it takes a woman to get effective treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding from 5 years to 5 months.
Up to 50% of women worldwide experience heavy periods, which can significantly affect physical, emotional and social wellbeing. With periods being a normal part of life for half the population, researchers say this vital work will also help improve understanding of menstrual health more broadly and inform future school and workplace guidance.
Professor Gemma Sharp, of the University of Exeter, said: :"We know that menstrual health is a key indicator of overall health, but a lack of high-quality data means it remains poorly understood and under-supported in healthcare. We also know that heavy periods can affect many aspects of daily life – for example, our recent research revealed an association between heavy periods, school attendance and lower GCSE attainment – so we urgently need new ways to support the millions of women affected by heavy periods more promptly and effectively,"
Alice, Children of the 90s participant, said: "My heavy, painful periods started at 15. I assumed it was "normal". I wore "super plus tampons", doubled up on "night time pads" and would still leak onto my trousers. I started wearing leggings underneath trousers as added protection. I avoided sitting down on public transport.
